Evaluation and Diagnosis

The first step in treating an individual on the autism spectrum is to have the individual evaluated.  An evaluation will generally consist of interviews and tests regarding language, cognitive processing, behavior, motor development and other areas.  Some providers specialize in diagnosing individuals on the spectrum and others have a broader professional focus.  Some practitioners will provide a diagnosis and general recommendations while others will provide detailed recommendations for treatment and educational planning.

• Center for Children with Special Needs
• Yale Child Study Center
• Connecticut Children's Medical Center
• Developmental and Behavioral Program in the Center for Children’s Health and Development at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders

The following resources are a great start for beginning to learn about the complexities, similarities, and differences of autism spectrum disorders.  

• Asperger's Syndrome, Tony Atwood
• Asperger Syndrome & Your Child, Michael Powers Psy.D. with Janet Poland
• The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome, Patricia Romanowski Bashe and Barbara L. Kirby
• Children with Autism: A Parent's Guide, Michael Powers
• A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism, Sally Ozonoff, PhD, Geraldine Dawson, PhD, James McPartland

For Connecticut Residents

• The Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center has published The State of Connecticut Autism Resource Guide.  The guide contains extensive information on resources for Connecticut residents.  It can be purchased from the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center.

• Healthnet is the University of Connecticut Health Center Library's consumer health information program for Connecticut residents and public libraries.